DOUBLE-DECKERS MORE COST-EFFECTIVE
Beyond nostalgia, bendy buses offer practical advantages, enthusiasts said.
Unlike double-deckers, which require climbing stairs, bendy buses provide more seating on a single level – an advantage for elderly passengers or those who prefer a quick ride without the hassle of moving between decks.
Mr Wafi believes bendy buses are better suited for feeder routes, which are much shorter, than double-deckers.
Mr Mahendran likes that passengers can board and alight more efficiently due to the bendy bus’ three doors.
“When we reach the bus stop, we open the door, everybody goes out,” he said, adding that it takes time for commuters on double-deckers to come down from the upper deck.
Of course, double-deck buses have their own advantages.
“For long journeys, (passengers) like to sit on top – better view, more privacy because nobody is standing (next to them),” Mr Mahendran said.
According to LTA, bendy buses and double-deckers can accommodate a similar number of passengers. However, double-deckers require more space on the roads and at bus stops, making them less suited to Singapore’s dense urban landscape, it said.
Double-deck buses are also more cost-effective because they have fewer mechanical complexities and are easier to maintain, LTA added.
